South African cricket has lost one of its legends, as Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away in Gqeberha at the age of 98.
His family shared the news on Friday, marking the end of a remarkable life that spanned nearly a century.
A Brief but Impactful Test Career
Draper, a talented top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, had a short but memorable Test career.
He played for South Africa in two Test matches against Australia in 1950.
Despite the brevity of his international career, Draper was part of an era that laid the groundwork for future South African cricketing greats.
Following his passing, Neil Harvey, who was one of Draper’s opponents during those Tests, becomes the oldest living Test cricketer at 96 years old.
This follows in the footsteps of two previous record holders who were also South African: Norman Gordon, who died at 103 in 2016, and John Watkins, who passed away in 2021 at 98.
A Century on Debut and Continued Success
Born on December 24, 1926, Draper made an early impression in cricket.
He scored a century on his first-class debut for Eastern Province against Orange Free State, doing so on his 19th birthday.
His promising performances continued, and in the 1949/50 season, he made an impressive 86 runs for his province against the touring Australians, leading to his selection for the last two Tests against the visitors.
However, he struggled in those matches, scoring just 25 runs across three innings.
In contrast, his opponent, Neil Harvey, shone in those Tests, scoring centuries in both matches while at the beginning of what would become a stellar career.
A Lasting Legacy in Domestic Cricket
Despite his limited Test appearances, Draper continued to thrive in first-class cricket until the 1959/60 season.
He finished his career with a solid average of 41.64.
Notably, during the 1952/53 season, he achieved the rare feat of scoring two centuries in a single match, the first player to do so in South Africa’s Currie Cup competition. This further solidified his reputation as a skilled and reliable batsman.
Passing at 98 in Gqeberha
Draper passed away on Tuesday at a retirement home in Gqeberha, and his death was confirmed by his son-in-law, Neil Thomson, on Friday.
His legacy will forever be remembered by the South African cricket community, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire generations.